IONTOPHORESIS DEVICE

Abstract: To avoid a reduction of the conductivity in iontophoresis due to the electrical decomposition and the changes in chemical properties of the electrodes themselves, covering by an electrical insulator, and to prevent a drop in the transport rate due to ions freed from the electrode. Provision is made of an electrode structure provided integrally with a reversible electrode and an auxiliary electrode for regeneration of the same and a regeneration current conducting means for conducting a current for regeneration of the reversible electrode when the therapeutic current is off, or the invention is comprised of a reversible electrode and an ion exchange membrane difficult for ions freed from that electrode to penetrate.

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an iontophoresis device and, more precisely, to an iontophoresis electrode structure. BACKGROUND ART The electrodes which are used for iontophoresis for electrically administering water-soluble and ionic drugs through the skin are copresent with the solutions containing the drugs and, further, are mainly supplied continuously or intermittently with a therapeutic current of a one-directional polarity. Electrodes placed in the above-mentioned conditions unavoidably suffer from reduction of their conductivity due to electrical decomposition, changes in chemical properties of the electrodes themselves, covering by an electrical insulator, etc. On the other hand, in the related conventional technologies, as an iontophoresis electrode structure, various types of structures have been proposed, including ones using a so-called reversible (nonpolarized) electrode. However, when a reversible electrode is used for iontophoresis, the various types of ions freed from the electrode at the time of conductance cause a remarkable drop in the rate of transport of the ionic drug. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel electrode structure making it possible to avoid a reduction in conductivity of the electrodes when the electrodes are used in practice, and to obtain efficient iontophoresis while preventing, as much as possible, a drop in the transport rate. WO-A-91 15259 discloses a iontophoresis device having a donor electrode assembly and a counter electrode assembly which are connected in Series with an electric power source. WO-A-91 15259 does not provide a regeneration electrode and thus does not solve the problem of deteriorating effects on reversible electrodes. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION To attain the above-mentioned objects of the present invention, on iontophoresis device having the following technical structures is provided. Namely, the iontophoresis device of the present invention comprises; at least two reversible electrodes to which a predetermined level of voltage, for example, predetermined pulses, is applied, a drug holding means which carries ionic drugs therein and is arranged opposite to a first reversible electrode, the drug holding means being constructed so as to make contact with a portion to which a necessary therapy is required; and a voltage applying control means for applying to said first reversible electrode a voltage having a predetermined voltage level at a predetermined timing, so that a charge of ions released from said first reversible electrode is supplied to the drug held inside the drug holding means through a conductive solution. More specifically, the iontophoresis device of the present invention, is further characterized in that a regeneration electrode is additionally provided and in that said regeneration electrode and said first reversible electrode are arranged within said drug holding means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. Fig. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2(A), 2(B) and Figs. 3(A) to (C) are views for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a view showing the configuration of a device at the time of performing experiments regarding the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are views showing results of the experiments. Fig. 11 and Figs. 12(A) and (B) are views showing the results of Experiment 1. Fig . 13 (B) is a sectional view of an experimental apparatus in the experiment on the embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The iontophoresis device of the present invention will be explained in detail hereunder with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 shows a block-diagram indicating one embodiment of a basic technical construction of the iontophoresis device in the present invention. As explained above, the iontophoresis device of the present invention comprises; at least an electrode 1 or 2 to which a predetermined level of voltage, for example, predetermined pulses, is applied; a drug holding means 5 which carries ionic drugs therein and is arranged opposite to the electrode 1 or 2, the means being constructed so as to make contact with a portion to which a necessary therapy is required; and a voltage applying control means 7 for applying to the electrode 1 or 2 a pulse voltage having a predetermined voltage level at a predetermined timing. The electrode 1 or 2 comprises a reversible electrode so that a charge of ions released from the electrode 1 or 2 is supplied to the drug held inside the drug holding means 5 through a conductive solution. Further in a first aspect of the present invention, the reversible electrode 1 or 2 is additionally provided with a regeneration electrode 3. The technical construction of the iontophoresis device of the present invention will be explained next. As explained above, the iontophoresis device defined by the present invention, has the above-mentioned basic technical constructions as well as the additional technical feature in that the reversible electrode 1 or 2 is accompanied by the regeneration electrode 3. Note that the first aspect of the present invention provides an electrode structure provided integrally with a reversible electrode and an regeneration electrode for regeneration of the same and a regeneration current conducting means for conducting a current for regeneration of the reversible electrode when the therapeutic current is off so as thereby to prevent an electrode reaction of the main electrode and counter electrode impairing the conductivity or to restore the conductivity along with regeneration of the electrodes. Example 1 Therefore, one embodiment of the iontophoresis device concerning the present invention will be explained as Example 1. In Fig. 1, 1 is an electrode for the main electrode which is comprised of a metal material such as Ag. The material is selected in accordance with the polarity of the main electrode. Reference numeral 2 is an electrode for a counter electrode which is comprised of AgCl, Ag, etc. The material of the electrode 2 for the counter electrode is similar to the electrode 1 for the main electrode. A member with reversibility is selectively used for the electrode 1 for the main electrode and the electrode 2 for the counter electrode. "Reversibility" means that all or part of the electrode can be regenerated to the original material or the original conductivity. As a typical material, silver (Ag) is shown, but the invention is not limited to this. Further, the polarities of the main electrode and the counter electrode are determined by the ionic polarities of the drug being administered and may be positive polarities or negative polarities. Reference numeral 3 is a regeneration electrode for regeneration use and is comprised of a conductive material such as carbon or aluminum. Reference numeral 4 is a backing member and is a sheet-like member having an electrical insulation ability. The electrodes 1 to 3 are attached to the surface of the backing member 4 by printing, adhesion by an adhesive, etc. Reference numeral 5 is a drug holding means which is comprised of a porous member etc. in which a drug and a solution are impregnated. As an example of a porous member, a water-absorbing and water-permeable film-like member is shown. As a water-absorbing and water-permeable film-like member, illustration may be made of a laminar membrane filter (Biodyne A (trademark)), paper, nonwoven fabric, porous film, or other moisture-permeable fiber layer, starch (oblaat) formed by an aqueous polymer holding, adhered with, or containing a predetermined drug, a PVP film or other water-absorbing (water soluble) film, usually used to form a thin film. Further, the degree of the water solubility may be suitably adjusted in accordance with the purpose of use. Reference numeral 6 is an interface forming means, which is comprised of a porous member as above, a gel substrate, etc. impregnated with a conductive solution. Reference numeral 7 is a power supply unit, whose internal structure will be explained below. Reference numeral 71 is a signal processing unit, which houses predetermined algorithmns and outputs control signals based on those algorithmns. The signal processing unit 71 is comprised by a gate array, a microcomputer, etc. Reference numeral 72 is a therapeutic current pulse output means, which outputs pulses and outputs depolarized pulses. The frequency and duty are not particularly limited. Reference numeral 73 is a regeneration electrical output means, which outputs a direct current, pulses, etc. The regeneration electrical output means 73 is controlled in accordance with need by the signal processing unit 71. Reference numerals 74 and 75 are switching means, which are comprised of analog switches, relays, transistors, FET's, etc. The switching means 74 and 75 perform an ON/OFF operation by control signals output by the signal processing means 71. One end of the output of the therapeutic current pulse output means 72 is connected to the output terminal (A), while the other end is connected to one end of the switching means 75. The other end of the switching means 75 is connected to the output terminal (C). One end of the regeneration electrical output means 73 is connected to the output terminal (A), while the other end is connected to one end of the switching means 74. The other end of the switching means 74 is connected to the output terminal (B). The depolarized pulse output means has the function of connecting the output terminals when the output pulse is off. For more details, see the description in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 60-156475. Reference numerals 11, 21, and 31 are lead wires, which electrically connect the output terminals (A) to (C) of the power supply unit 7 and the electrodes 1 to 3. Next, the operation of the construction shown in Fig. 1 will be explained in detail with reference to Figs. 2(A) and (B) and Figs. 3(A) to (C). The drug holding means 5 and interface forming means 6 of Fig. 1 are made to adjust the locations of percutaneous administration of the drug and the power supply unit 7. The signal processing means 71 turns on the switching means 75 and turns off the switching means 74. The therapeutic current pulse output means outputs the therapeutic current pulse and outputs the pulse shown in Fig. 2(A) to the output terminal (A) and the output terminal (C). The output terminal (B) is in a state electrically shut off from other output terminals since the switching means 74 is off. The output terminal (A) is connected to the electrode 1 of the main electrode, while the output terminal (C) is connected to the electrode 2 of the counter electrode. At the same time the pulse rises, a closed electrical circuit is formed among the drug holding means 5, the human body, and the interface forming means 6 and the therapeutic current flows. When the pulse shown in Fig. 2(A) falls, the signal processing means 71 turns off the switching means 75 and turns on the switching means 74. The power supply unit 7 outputs a regeneration pulse shown in Fig. 2(B) between the output terminal (A) and the output terminal (B). At this time, the polarity of the pulse of the output terminal (A) is opposite to the polarity at the time of previous output of the therapeutic current. For example, if the output terminal (A) had a positive polarity at the time of output of the therapeutic current, the output terminal (A) has a negative polarity and the output terminal (B) has a positive polarity at the time of output of the regeneration pulse. The regeneration pulse output to the output terminal (B) and the output terminal (A) creates a closed electrical circuit among the regeneration electrode 3, the drug holding means 5, and the electrode 1 of the main electrode, applies a reverse direction voltage so as to prevent the electrode reaction of the electrode 1 of the main electrode, and thereby regenerates the conductivity. Further, the output terminal (C) is set to become electrically shut off from the other output terminals since the switching means 75 is off. Further, when the electrical conductivity of the drug holding means 5 is high, the power supply unit 7 sometimes connects the resistor on the closed electrical circuit formed between the output terminal (B) and the output terminal (A) so as to prevent an overcharge current from being generated in this circuit when the operation for regenerating the electrode is carried out. Further, the power supply unit 7 is not limited so long as it is provided with a battery or other power source and a pulse output means, depolarized pulse output means, direct current output means, and a device for controlling these output devices. Further, since the output current and voltage are relatively small, it is easy to make the key portions of the power supply unit 7 on a single chip. The above embodiment is one in which a regeneration pulse is output each time a therapeutic current pulse is output. Next, however, an explanation will be made of a different operation. The construction is the same as that in Fig. 1, so the explanation of the construction will be omitted. In Fig. 1, the power supply unit 7 outputs the therapeutic current pulse shown in Figs. 3(A) to 3(C) to the output terminal (A) and the output terminal (C) for exactly a predetermined period of time. At this time, the output terminal (B) is in a state electrically shut off from the other outputs. Next, the regeneration direct current shown in Fig. 3(B) is output across the output terminal (B) and the output terminal (A) for a predetermined time. At this time, the output terminal (C) is in an electrically shut off state. The "direct current" spoken of here includes a pulse with a long pulse width. The regeneration pulse output across the output terminal (B) and the output terminal (A) may be, in addition to the direct current shown in Fig. 2(B), a group of successive pulses as shown in Fig. 3(C) or a depolarized pulse. The time the therapeutic current pulse is held may be several hours, for example, three hours or preferably six hours or so, but is not particularly limited. Further, the time the regeneration current output is held may be for example one hour, preferably three hours, but is not particularly limited. Example 2 Next, an explanation will be made of another embodiment of the iontophoresis device of the present invention will be given as Example 2 with reference to Fig. 4. Reference numeral 1 is an electrode for the main electrode, and 3 is a regeneration electrode. The electrode 1 for the main electrode and the regeneration electrode 3 are both formed of conductive members having holes. Reference numeral 32 is a support member, which is formed by a nonconductive porous member such as a nonwoven fabric. The electrode 1 for the main electrode and the regeneration electrode 3 are printed on the front and rear of the support member 32 or are affixed to it by mechanical or chemical bonding. Reference numeral 5 is drug holding means which has the above-mentioned structure. Reference numeral 33 is a connecting member which is formed by a conductive member including the same material as the drug holding means 5. The lead wire 11 for connecting the electrode 1 for the main electrode with the power supply unit 7 shown in Fig. 1 and the lead wire 31 for connecting the regeneration electrode 3 and the power supply unit 7 are the same as those shown in Fig. 1. Figure 4 shows the construction with the electrode for the main electrode and the electrode for the counter electrode separated. The counter electrode side is shown by the same reference numerals and an illustration is omitted. Further, the above separation is not particularly necessary. The electrodes may be formed integrally as well as shown in Fig. 1. Further, the holes made in the electrode for the main electrode and the regeneration electrode are not particularly necessary. The point is that the drug holding means 5 and the connecting member 33 be of a structure forming an electrically conductive state through the support member 32. Next, the operation will be explained. The electrical output of the power supply unit 7 is the same as that explained with reference to the operation of Fig. 1. The support member 32 is porous, so the drug holding means 5 and the connecting member 33 are electrically conducting through the solution. Accordingly, after a pulse for the therapeutic current is output across the output terminal (A) and the output terminal (C) in the same way as in Fig. 1, when a regeneration pulse is output across the output terminal (A) and the output terminal (B), a closed electrical circuit is formed between the electrode 1 for the main electrode and the regeneration electrode 3 and the operation of regeneration of the electrode 1 for the main electrode is performed. Example 3 Next, another embodiment of the ionophoresis device of the present invention will be explained as Example 3, with reference to Fig. 5. Figure 5 shows the drug holding means 5 shown in Fig. 1 inside of which has been interposed a regeneration electrode 3 having a mesh shape or holes. The rest of the construction is the same as in Fig. 1 and the operation is the same as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, so an explanation of these will be omitted. The regeneration electrode 3 may be a conductor member itself or may be a member comprised of a nonconductive sheet in which is made holes for attachment of the conductor member. Next, examples of the drugs used in the present invention will be shown. Local anesthetic Lidocaine hydrochloride Tetracaine hydrochloride Procaine hydrochloride Dibucaine hydrochloride . Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride Bupivacaine hydrochloride Mepivacaine hydrochloride Antiallergic agent or Antitussant and expectorant Sodium cromoglicate Ketotifen fumarate Azelastine hydrochloride Amlexanox Terfenadine Emedastine fumarate Tranilast Codeine phosphate Dihydrocodeine phosphate Eprazinone hydrochloride Tipepidine hibenzate Bronchial dilator Theophylline Pirbuterol hydrochloride Terbutaline sulfate Hexoprenaline sulfate Salbutamol sulfate Tulobuterol hydrochloride Procaterol hydrochloride Mabuterol hydrochloride Formoterol fumarate Analgesics Morphine hydrochloride Hydromorphone hydrochloride Buprenorphine hydrochloride Bupranolol hydrochloride Pentazocine hydrochloride Butorphanol tartarate Eptazocine hydrobromido Nalbuphine hydrochloride Pentazosin lactate Dichlorophenac sodium Cardiacs Dopamin hydrochloride Dobutamine hydrochloride Amrinone Tranquilizers Chlorpromazine hydrochloride Etizolam Amitriptyline hydrochloride Clocapramine dihydrochloride Haloperidol Mosapramine hydrochloride Perphenazine Phenothiozine Antibiotics Cloxacillin sodium Benzylpenicillin potassium Ticarcillin sodium Ampicillin sodium Piperacillin sodium Cefoxitin sodium Cefodizime sodium Cefotaxime sodium Cefotetan Cefotetany sodium Cefoperazone sodium Cefsulodin sodium Ceftazidime Cefmetazole sodium Cefpirome sulfate Gentamicin sulfate Sisomicin sulfate Dibekacin sulfate Netilmicin sulfate Amikacin sulfate Ribostamycin sulfate Lincomycin Erythromycin Josamycin Chloramphenicol Tetracycline Antimelanoma agents Mitomycin C Etoposide Procarbazine hydrochloride Tamoxifen citrate Fluorouracil UFT* Tegafur Carmofur Methotrexate Carboquone Bleomycin hydrochloride Peplomycin sulfate Epirubicin hydrochloride Pirarubicin hydrochloride Neocarzinostatin Lentinan Picibanil Sizofilan Cisplatin Carboplatin Adriamycin Vincristine sulfate Circulatory medicines Nicametate citrate Alprostadil Argatroban Citicoline Nizofenone fumarate D-Mannitol Nicorandil Diltiazem hydrochloride Mecrophenoxate hydrochloride Rhislid maleate Calcium hopantenate Gout treatment agents Benzbromarone Allopurinol Colchicine High lipemia agents Simvastatin Nicomol Pravastatin sodium Antihistamines . Diphenhydramine hydrochloride Promethazine hydrochloride Chlorpheniramine maleate Mequitazine Clemastine fumarate Sleep abirriant agents or Antianxiety agents Flunitrazepam Midazolam Secobarbital sodium Amobarbital sodium Phenytoin sodium Analgestics or Antiphlogistics Ketoprofen Flurbiprofen axetil Indometacin Loxoprofen sodium Diclofenac sodium Piroxicam Tenidap Flurbiprofen Tenoxicam Antivertigo agents Difenidol hydrochloride Thiethylperazine maleate Betahistine mesylate Anti-convulsants Scopolamine Buthylbromide Atropine sulfate Eperisone hydrochloride Tizanidine hydrochloride Arrhythmia agents Arotinolol hydrochloride Propanolol hydrochloride Atenolol Quinidine sulfate Indenolol hydrochloride Bucumolol hydrochloride Antihypertensive agent Clonidine hydrochloride Bethanidine sulphate Benazepril hydrochloride Cilazapril Captopril Celiprolol hydrochloride Tilisolol hydrochloride Terazosinn hydrochloride Bunazosin hydrochloride Carvedilol hydrochloride Cortical hormones Hydrocortisone sodium phosphate Dexamethasone palmitate Dexamethasone sodium phosphate Betamethasone sodium phosphate Methylprednisolone succinate Peptide, Polypeptide and others Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) Enkephalin Endorphin Interferon Insulin Calcitonine Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) Oxytocin Lypressin Vasopressin Glucagon Pituitary hormone Human growth hormone (HGH) Human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) Desmopressin acetate Follicile-stimulating hormone Growth hormone-releasing factor Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Secretin Angiotensin β-Endorphin Somatostatin Gastrin Neurotensin Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) Bradykinin Substance P Dynorphin Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Prolactin Interleukin Filgrastim Glutathione peroxidase Superoxide dismutase (SOD) Desmopressin Somatromedin Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) Muramyl dipeptide Bombesin Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide Cholecystokinin-8 Calcitonin gene relating peptide (CGRP) Endothelin Nicotine These agents are mixed with various matrix components available in pharmaceutics and can be used in various types of forms such as salve, gel, cream, solution, suspension, film, or the like. As explained above, in the iontophoresis device of the present invention, the regeneration electrode may preferably be arranged integrally with the reversible electrode and further the regeneration electrode may preferably be controlled by the voltage applying controlling means so that the regeneration electrode is supplied with predetermined pulses at a timing at which predetermined pulses are not applied to the reversible electrode. Further, at least two reversible electrodes are provided in the iontophoresis device and two of the reversible electrodes, selected from among them, preferably form a pair as one group, and in that each one of the reversible electrodes forming the pair, is supplied with the pulses. The pulse phase of the pulses applied to one of the reversible electrodes in the pair, is different from that of the pulses applied to another reversible electrode in the pair. On the other hand, the regeneration electrode provided in the iontophoresis device, is arranged at a position close to one of the reversible electrodes forming the pair of group, and more particularly, the regeneration electrode may be provided on a plane of the device identical to the plane on which the reversible electrode is provided or may be provided to form a construction in which the regeneration electrode is stacked with the reversible electrode through a supporting means interposed therebetween. Next, an explanation will be given of experiments of the iontophoresis device of the present invention about a mode of function and effect thereof. Experiment 1 The experimental apparatus is shown in Fig. 6. Reference numeral 61 is an anode use electrode (main electrode), which is comprised of silver (Ag) foil. Reference numeral 62 is an anode use electrode (regeneration electrode) comprised of a carbon printed film electrode. Reference numeral 63 is a cathode use electrode (counter electrode) which is comprised of an AgCl/Ag foil. Reference numeral 64 is a physiological saline solution, while 65 is a stirrer. The distance between electrodes was made 25 mm and the electrical output device for the therapeutic current used was a 2V, 40 kHz, 30 percent duty depolarized pulse output device. The regeneration use electrical output device used was also a depolarized pulse output device similar to the above. The electrodes 61 to 63 and the electrical output means were connected by conductor terminals 611 to 631. A current was output for the therapeutic current so that the anode use electrode (main electrode) 61 became positive and the cathode use electrode (counter electrode) became negative. When the current value dropped to about half of the initial value, the conductance was stopped and the weight of the electrodes was measured. (The conductance time was 15 to 20 minutes or so.) Then, a DC current corresponding to the amount of AgCl produced at the anode electrode (main electrode) 61 (calculated by the Faraday Law shown in equation 1) was output for regeneration so as to make the anode electrode (regeneration electrode) 62 positive and the anode electrode (main electrode) 61 negative. (The time of output of the electrical output for regeneration was about 7.85 mA × 9 minutes to 12 minutes or so.) (Equation 1) It = F•W/Me where, I: current value (A) t: time (seconds) F: Faraday constant 9.65 × 10 4 (c/mol) W: Mass of reaction substance (g) Me: Chemical equivalents (g/mol) After the anode electrode (main electrode) 61 was regenerated from AgCl to Ag, the above-mentioned electrical current for therapeutic current was applied across the anode electrode (main electrode) 61 and the cathode electrode (counter electrode) 63 once again. These steps were repeated and about three examples were measured. The results are shown in Fig. 7. The graph represented by a symbol □ in Fig. 7, shows a first embodiment of the above-mentioned test result and the graph shows the relationship between the electrical current for therapeutic current Im and time for the therapeutic treatment. In Fig. 7, the graph indicates that although the initial current value Im (measured at the time 0) shows 8 mA, the current value Im was reduced to 3.5 mA when 20 minutes (20 min) has passed. Thereafter, in this period, the electrical current for therapeutic current Im was once stopped and the regenerating operation as defined by the present invention was carried out (a first regenerating operation). After this regenerating operation was completed, the second electrical current for therapeutic current Im was again supplied. Further, when 30 minutes (30 min) has passed, the electrical current for therapeutic current Im was again stopped and the regenerating operation as defined by the present invention was carried out (a second regenerating operation). After this regenerating operation was completed, the third electrical current for therapeutic current Im was again supplied. On the other hand, the other graphs represented by symbols ⋄ and ×, respectively, show the relationships between the electrical current for therapeutic current Im and time for the therapeutic treatment of a second and a third embodiment of the above-mentioned test results, carried out under the same manner as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, respectively. As shown in Fig. 7, in any one of the embodiments, after every first and the second regenerating operation had been carried out, the value of the electrical current exceeded the initial current value of 8 mA and it increased to 9 and 10 mA, respectively. Accordingly, regeneration of the anode electrode (main electrode) was confirmed. Experiment 2 The same type of experiment as in Experiment 1 was performed except that the electrical output of the regeneration electrical output device used in Experiment 1 was made a direct current stabilized to a voltage of 2.0V. The results are shown in Fig. 8. Figure 8 enabled confirmation of the regeneration of the anode electrode (main electrode) in the same way as Fig. 7. As explained above, the present invention has the effect that it is able to restore conductivity by preventing an electrode reaction impairing the conductivity or by regeneration of the electrode and enables stable, effective administration of a drug over a long period. Before showing experiments conducted regarding the embodiment of the present invention, based on the results of comparative experiments on reversible (nonpolarized) electrodes where chlorine ions are released during conductance and polarized electrodes where ions are not released, the present applicant etc. showed the superiority of a reversible (nonpolarized) electrode to a polarized electrode in the previously proposed pulse depolarization type iontophoresis. (Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 2-45461) and confirmed the efficacy, importance, and necessity of the iontophoresis electrode structure of the present invention, which enables the drug transport efficiency to be raised in the case of use of a silver chloride electrode etc. discharging chlorine ions along with conductance. Experiment The abdominal skin 157 of seven week old hairless rats was excised and was attached, with the corneal layer facing the drug container side, to the two-container type horizontal diffusion cell (drug transmission area: 2.54 cm 2 ) of the basic structure shown in Fig. 13(B). The drug container 151 and drug receiving container 152 were filled with 1.5 percent aqueous dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution 153 and phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) 154, respectively. The state was kept for one hour, then a pulse depolarization type current (frequency 40 kHz and duty ratio 30%) was passed for three hours at 5.0V constant voltage. At this time, use was made of a silver chloride electrode (○), carbon electrode (Δ), or aluminum electrode (□) for the negative electrode 155 (2.54 cm 2 ). Note that use was made of silver electrodes for all of the positive electrodes 156 (2.54 cm 2 ). The assay of the dexamethasone sodium phosphate released into the drug receiving container was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an opposite phase separation system with a column in which silicagel coupled with octadecyl radicals (ODS), are filled. These results show, in Fig. 11, that a silver chloride electrode is extremely effective in administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate compared with a carbon or aluminum electrode. Figures 12(A) and (B) show the changes along with time in the average current (1m) at the time of the experiment and the effective current (Ie), which is comprised of the average current minus the current component flowing in the opposite direction at the time of depolarization. When a constant voltage is charged, there is no great difference in the three types of electrodes in terms of the average current, but when the effective current is compared, a silver chloride electrode exhibits a much higher value compared with the other two types of electrodes. These results show the superiority of a nonpolarized electrode to a polarized electrode in pulse depolarization type iontophoresis. In this way, if use is made of a reversible (nonpolarized) silver chloride electrode in pulse depolarization type iontophoresis, a higher drug transmission rate can be achieved at the same power compared with the case of use of another polarized electrode. Further, when the same amount of drug is transmitted, the amount of current and the power used can be reduced. By using the iontophoresis electrode structure of the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of drug transmission in the case of use of a reversible (nonpolarized) electrode such as a silver chloride electrode where chlorine ions etc. are discharged along with conduction and the transport rate of the drug falls. Accordingly, the use of the electrode structure of the present invention leads to an improved feeling of use accompanying the reduction of the irritation to the skin at the time of performance of iontophoresis due to the pulse depolarization method etc. and a reduction in weight of the battery used.

Claims: An iontophoresis device comprising: at least two reversible electrodes (1,2) to which a predetermined voltage level is applied; a drug holding means (5) which carries ionic drugs therein and is arranged opposite to a first reversible electrode (1), said drug holding means (5) being constructed so as to make contact with a portion for which a necessary therapy is required; a voltage applying control means (7) for applying to said first reversible electrode (1) a voltage having a predetermined voltage level at a predetermined timing, so that a charge of ions released from said first reversible electrode (1) is supplied to said drug held inside said drug holding means (5) through a conductive solution; characterized in that a regeneration electrode (3) is additionally provided and in that said regeneration electrode (3) and said first reversible electrode (1) are arranged within said drug holding means (5). An iontophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) and said first reversible electrode (1) form an integral electrode structure. An iontophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) is supplied with predetermined pulses at a timing where predetermined pulses are not applied to said reversible electrode (1). An iontophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) is supplied with a predetermined voltage selected from a direct current voltage and a pulse voltage. An iontophoresis device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein two of said reversible electrodes (1,2) are selected from among them to form a pair. An iontophoresis device according to claim 5, wherein each one of said reversible electrodes (1,2) forming said pair is supplied with said pulses, wherein the phase of said pulses applied to one of said reversible electrodes (1) in said pair, is different from that of said pulses applied to the other reversible electrode (2) in said pair. An iontophoresis device according to claim 5, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) is provided at a position close to at least one of said reversible electrodes (1) forming said pair. An iontophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) is provided on a plane of said device identical to the plane on which said first reversible electrode (1) is provided. An iontophoresis device according to claim 1, wherein said regeneration electrode (3) is provided to form a construction in which said regeneration electrode (3) is stacked with said first reversible electrode (1) through a supporting means (32) interposed therebetween. An iontophoresis device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said regeneration electrode (3) and said first reversible electrode (1) is made of a material having a function enabling water to penetrate therethrough. An iontophoresis device according to claim 9, wherein said supporting means (32) is made of a material having a function enabling water to penetrate therethrough.

Inventors: HIBI TOYOJI, OKABE KEIICHIRO, HIBI, TOYOJI, OKABE, KEIICHIRO
Applicants: HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO, HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61N1
IPC codes: A61N1